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- 8 oz. elbow macaroni or fusilli pasta - 2 cups sweet corn (fresh, grilled, or thawed frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup sour cream - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Each ingredient adds a unique flavor to this salad. The pasta forms the base and gives a hearty texture. Sweet corn brings a natural sweetness. Fresh bell pepper and onion add crunch and color. Cilantro gives a fresh, herbaceous note, while cotija cheese adds a creamy and salty finish. Avocado adds richness and creaminess. Jalapeño gives a kick of spice, balancing the other flavors. The dressing made from mayonnaise and sour cream brings everything together, creating a creamy, tangy experience. If you're allergic to dairy, try using a dairy-free mayo and cheese. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. You can replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative or yogurt. If you dislike spice, skip the jalapeño. You can also leave out the red onion if you prefer a milder taste. Each substitution keeps the dish flavorful and enjoyable for everyone! Start by boiling water in a big pot. Add salt to the water to flavor the pasta. Then, add 8 oz. of elbow macaroni or fusilli. Cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. This means the pasta is firm but not hard. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta down. Set it aside to cool completely. If you choose fresh corn, grab some ears and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn it every few minutes until the kernels get soft and show grill marks. If you prefer frozen corn, just let it thaw in a strainer. You can mix it in without cooking. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with your corn. Then, add 1 diced red bell pepper, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, and 1 minced jalapeño. Toss in 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro too. Stir everything together gently, making sure the ingredients are well mixed. In another bowl, whisk together the dressing. Combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with 1/4 cup of sour cream. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and veggies. Gently toss everything so that all the ingredients are coated well. Now, fold in 1 diced avocado and 1/2 cup of crumbled cotija cheese. Be careful to keep the avocado pieces intact. Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if needed. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Cooking pasta may seem simple, but timing is key. Always use a large pot with plenty of salted water. I suggest one tablespoon of salt for every four quarts of water. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. Stir it often to prevent sticking. For al dente pasta, check the package time and taste it one minute early. Once done, drain it, and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps it firm. Grilling corn adds a smoky flavor. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. If using fresh corn, peel off the husks and remove the silk. Lightly brush the corn with oil for better grilling. Place the corn on the grill and turn it every few minutes. You want the kernels to char slightly, which takes about 10-12 minutes. If you use frozen corn, you can skip this step. Simply thaw and mix it in. To make your salad stand out, consider adding lime zest or a dash of smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions can brighten the dish. If you want more heat, add extra minced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes. For a creamier texture, increase the mayo or sour cream. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning. Experimenting with flavors makes cooking fun and personal. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian version, skip the cotija cheese or use a similar cheese that fits your diet. To make it vegan, swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for vegan alternatives. There are great plant-based options that taste fantastic. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works well. Simply grill them with some lime juice and chili powder for extra flavor. Cut the chicken or shrimp into bite-sized pieces and mix them into the salad. This adds a nice texture and makes it more filling. Feel free to get creative with the veggies. You can add diced cucumbers for crunch or cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Grated carrots add color and a bit of sweetness. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors in mind. Each vegetable brings its own taste, so try combinations that you love. To keep your Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place the salad in the fridge. It should stay good for up to three days. Before serving, give it a quick stir. This helps mix the flavors again. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The ingredients do not hold up well in the freezer. The pasta can become mushy, and the fresh veggies lose their crunch. If you have extra salad, try to consume it within a few days for the best taste. If you need to reheat the salad, do it gently. Heat it in the microwave on low power in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. I suggest serving it cold instead. The flavors are bright and fresh when chilled. Enjoy your flavorful salad just as it is! Yes, you can make this salad ahead. It tastes even better after chilling. Make it a few hours before your meal or the day before. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. If you can't find cotija cheese, try feta cheese. It has a similar crumbly texture and salty taste. You can also use queso fresco for a milder flavor. Both make great options. This dish has a mild heat due to the jalapeño. If you want less spice, leave out the jalapeño. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier pepper. Taste as you go to get it just right. Absolutely! You can use any shape of pasta you like. Fusilli, penne, or rotini work well. Just make sure to cook it until al dente for the best texture. Serve this salad chilled for a refreshing dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or fish. You can also serve it as a main dish. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty finish. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. We discussed key ingredients, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions to create it. Tips helped ensure perfect pasta and corn, while variations let you make it your own. Storing leftovers is simple, and I answered common questions. With these ideas and techniques, you can prepare a great dish tailored to your taste. Enjoy your cooking!

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Discover the perfect summer dish with this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad recipe! Combining tender pasta, grilled corn, fresh veggies, creamy dressing, and a zesty kick, this salad is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Ready in just an hour, it's ideal for potlucks and BBQs. Click through to explore detailed instructions and make this vibrant salad that’s sure to impress your guests! Enjoy a taste of Mexico today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. elbow macaroni or fusilli pasta

2 cups sweet corn (fresh, grilled, or thawed frozen)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese

1 ripe avocado, diced

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni or fusilli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

    If you're using fresh corn, prepare it by grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the corn on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. For frozen corn, simply allow it to thaw in a strainer or mix it with the other ingredients without cooking.

      Assemble your salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled or thawed corn, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, and fresh cilantro. Toss to mix the ingredients evenly.

        Prepare the creamy dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

          Combine the salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

            Add the final touches: Carefully fold in the diced avocado and crumbled cotija cheese, being gentle to maintain the avocado's shape.

              Taste and adjust: Check for seasoning and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. For optimal flavor development, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve your vibrant salad in a colorful, large bowl. For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle additional cotija cheese and fresh cilantro on top before serving. Consider accompanying the dish with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick that guests can add according to their taste.